Allan James Edwards

November 22, 1954 - October 18, 2023

In Loving Memory ~

With loving sadness, we announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of our Allan.

Allan was born in Victoria, the youngest of four children, his siblings Ron, Kathy and Sylvia. He lived most of his life on Vancouver Island and worked as a heavy-duty mechanic while living in Port McNeill.

In 1996, he moved to Parksville, and in 1998, married Roxey, a long-time friend from the North Island, who had relocated with her sons, Kenneth and Scott, after losing her husband, Terry.

Al and Terry were coworkers, hockey teammates, fishing buddies and good friends. When Al became a dad to the boys (whom he had known since their births), he said that he was only carrying on from where his friend had left off.

Al was diagnosed with MS in 1996 but continued to live life to the fullest, dancing, skiing, diving, and fishing. He often said, "I'm just going to keep carrying on 'til I can't". In the face of his progressive debilitation, Al retained a positive outlook, enjoying being outdoors, watching sports, reading, and building puzzles. He was often seen out and about on his scooter, Roxey by his side, and a dog or two in tow.

One of the greatest joys of Al's life was becoming a Grampa, first to Matthew, then to Alayna, and lastly, to Zander, and he loved sharing camping trips and game nights and watching them grow.

Although a challenge, Al loved to travel, making a trip in 2017 to England to meet the "Camino Crew". In 2019, Al and Roxey camped their way across Canada, to Newfoundland and back, 19,000 km over 97 days.

Covid kept them close to home, but Vancouver Island has wonderful Provincial Parks, so camping it was.

Roxey and Al celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Alaska at the end of September, and it was upon their return that they realized he had suffered a silent heart attack.

Many thanks go to the CCU team at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, in Victoria, for their heroic efforts to repair the damage within the limitations of Al's MS, and for their caring recovery support. Sadly, what they could do was just not enough.

Al was a man with a big heart and a generous spirit; a husband, a dad, a grampa, a brother, an uncle and a friend. He will be deeply missed, and comfort is found in knowing he is now free of MS and is without limitations.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Allan at St. Stephens United Church in Qualicum Beach at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, October 30.

Yates Memorial Services

250-248-5859

"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"